Just one year can make all the difference. Ask Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who went from scorned to beloved in the Bronx over the course of a single season. After 2022, New York Yankees fans wanted his glove and bat anywhere but with the Pinstripes. Statistically, IKF didn’t do much to redeem himself, but in the newfound role of a super-utility player, the 28-year-old became an important part of the team.

Entering 2023, every supporter of the Yankees, myself included, had a unanimous wish: to see Aaron Hicks, Josh Donaldson, and IKF gone. Before long, Cashman reached his limit with the first two but decided to keep faith in the 2020 Gold Glove recipient. But not for too long. A horrendous season called for a drastic transformation, and one step of that was to see IKF go.

Sad to see him stay, sad to see him go…

After another statistically average season, with just 6 home runs, 79 hits, and 37 runs batted in at .242, Isiah Kiner-Falefa signed a two-year contract worth $15 million with the Toronto Blue Jays. Long before taking the field in Yankee Stadium, Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s baseball dreams were pinstripe-colored. And his final year in the Bronx displayed sincerity, passion, and commitment – characteristic traits of a Yankee. Moreover, in his utility role, he dawned six positions – SS, 2B, 3B, CF, LF, RF, and also pitched a total of four innings at a solid 2.25 ERA.

IKF posted an adorable farewell note to the Bronx Bombers. The message said, “It was an honor to wear the pinstripes!! New York, I’m grateful for the past two seasons! You’ve helped shape me into the person and player I am today! Excited for this new chapter with the @bluejays! Let’s get to work!!”

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Fans, who were far from kind to IKF when 2023 started, filled his Instagram post with love. “Sorry the fans were treating you bad in the beginning. You played the game hard!” said one fan, while another said, “when we boo you next year it’s a respect boo.” Moreover, he received numerous “we will miss you” messages and, in that moment, the animosity of 2022 faded away. The New York Yankees had just bid farewell to a loyal member, now joining the rival Blue Jays.

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The emotional fan in me feels strongly that this isn’t the final chapter for IKF in Pinstripes. But reality checks my emotions; sentimentality has no place when all you think about is the 28th ring. So, perhaps for the next couple of years, I’ll join in the boos as IKF stands with the unfriendly Blue Jays. But deep inside, my Yankee heart will always hold a soft spot for him.

I wish him success in his seasons ahead, but that goodwill doesn’t extend to Vladdy and the rest of the Blue Jays.

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